Laura Jane Blears (born 22 December 1956) is a British Labour politician who served as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Salford and Eccles from 1997 to 2010. She held several ministerial positions in the Tony Blair and Gordon Brown governments, including Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government (2005-2007), Secretary of State for Transport (2007-2008), and Health Secretary (2008-2010).
Laura Blears was born and raised in Salford, a city in Greater Manchester, England. Her father was a plasterer and her mother was a housewife. She attended St. Patrick's RC High School in Eccles and later studied Politics and Modern History at the University of Manchester, where she graduated in 1979.
Blears' political career began in local government. She was elected to Salford City Council in 1984 and served as a councillor for 13 years. During her time on the council, she held several positions, including Deputy Leader and Leader of the Labour Group.
In 1997, Blears was elected as the MP for Salford and Eccles. She was re-elected in 2001 and 2005.
Blears' ministerial career began in 2002 when she was appointed Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Housing, Planning and Regeneration. She held several ministerial positions, including:
After Labour's defeat in the 2010 general election, Blears served in the Shadow Cabinet of Ed Miliband. She held several positions, including:
During her time in government, Blears was involved in a number of key policies and initiatives, including:
Blears was involved in several controversies during her political career, including:
Blears announced her retirement from politics in 2015. She had been suffering from depression for a number of years.
Laura Blears is a controversial figure in British politics. Her supporters credit her with introducing important reforms in local government, transport, and health. Her critics argue that she was too close to vested interests and that her policies were often ineffective.
Position | Years |
---|---|
Councillor, Salford City Council | 1984-1997 |
MP for Salford and Eccles | 1997-2010 |
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Housing, Planning and Regeneration | 2002-2003 |
Minister of State for Local Government and Regions | 2003-2005 |
Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government | 2005-2007 |
Secretary of State for Transport | 2007-2008 |
Health Secretary | 2008-2010 |
Shadow Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs | 2010-2011 |
Shadow Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government | 2011-2013 |
Policy | Year |
---|---|
Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act | 2007 |
Congestion Charge, London | 2003 |
Smoke-free NHS | 2007 |
NHS mental health services investment | 2008 |
Localism Act | 2011 |
Controversy | Year |
---|---|
Private healthcare bonus | 2009 |
Swine flu pandemic handling | 2010 |
The Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 was a landmark piece of legislation that gave local authorities a greater role in the provision of healthcare. The Act aimed to improve the health and well-being of local populations by involving them in the planning and delivery of healthcare services.
What We Learn:
The Congestion Charge was a road pricing scheme that was introduced in London in 2003. The scheme aimed to reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality in the city. The charge was initially unpopular, but it has since been credited with reducing congestion and improving public transport usage.
What We Learn:
In 2007, the NHS became smoke-free. This was a landmark achievement that helped to reduce smoking rates in the UK and improve the health of the population. The ban was initially controversial, but it is now widely accepted as a success.
What We Learn:
1. What is Laura Blears' political ideology?
Laura Blears is a Labour politician who is committed to social justice and equality. She is a strong supporter of the NHS and public services.
2. What are her key achievements in government?
Blears' key achievements in government include:
3. Why did she retire from politics?
Blears retired from politics in 2015 due to depression.
4. What is her legacy?
Blears is a controversial figure in British politics. Her supporters credit her with introducing important reforms in local government, transport, and health. Her critics argue that she was too close to vested interests and that her policies were often ineffective.
5. Is she still active in public life?
Yes, Blears is still active in public life. She is a regular commentator on politics and social issues.
6. Where does she live now?
Blears lives in Salford, Greater Manchester.
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